Skiers and snowboarders were treated to 1,000 vertical feet of terrain at Bretton Woods.

It was also free to the hundreds of enthusiasts who made the trip.

The natural snow fell lightly as the ski area opened its Zephyr chair and snowmaking crews completed their work which over about two days yielded enough of a dry powdery base to call it useable.

Officials said they decided to open after the testing of new snow-making equipment on the Rangeview Trail yielded better than expected results.

Sunday's overnight temperatures were in the teens in the mountains, allowing for optimal snow-making conditions.

The ski area expects to close with the upcoming forecast for rain and plans to open for the season in November.

Many said they had never been to a ski area open before Halloween, although there have been a few exceptions, mostly due to natural snowfall events.

But snow-making equipment has advanced over the years so that it can put out more snow at marginal temperatures and use less energy.

The arrival of winter weather has all of New Hampshire's ski areas announcing projected opening dates. Those of course are predicated on Mother Nature's cooperation.

Among the New Hampshire areas planning to offer skiing and riding during the month of November are Attitash, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Granite Gorge, Loon Mountain, Mount Sunapee and Waterville Valley.